Seed Force opens new headquarters in Shepparton

By: "Farm Tender" News
Farm Tender, DelayPay & Farm Inputs
Feb 17, 2019
906 views
Share

Seed Force last night celebrated the official opening of their new purpose-built national headquarters at Shepparton in Victoria. The company hosted more than 110 guests on-site for an evening event to mark the milestone.

Chair, Warwick Green, said that marking such a significant milestone in the company’s 13th year was particularly gratifying.

Warwick Green, Chair of Seed Force, welcoming guests to the new facility.

“The inspiration to establish a new Seed Company is one thing but making it a reality is another,” he said.

“And Shepparton was chosen as a good central hub and key transport route for the business to move seed efficiently around Australia.

Ad- Call Warrick Hay & Grain - We store Grain and Hay - Ad

“When we started Seed Force, the catalyst was ownership changes within the Australasian seed industry. We saw a need to ensure that farmers here could access the best global genetics to continue to build on-farm profitability and performance.

“We understood that to be successful over the long-term we needed scale, an international footprint and access to the best technologies, we set about to create what you see today.”

Bruce Garrett, Group Managing Director

More than 100 business partners, suppliers and staff took the opportunity to inspect the $4 million facility, which comprises offices, warehousing and seed manufacturing. Key shareholders and business partners from across Australia, New Zealand, France and the Netherlands were also in attendance.

Bruce Garrett, Seed Force group managing director, said it was pleasing to have so many long-term business supporters on-site to share the company’s success.

“Our motivation for establishing this company has never changed; to make a difference to Australian farmers. However, without the support of all our customers, suppliers, staff and service providers, we don’t have a business.

Ad- Call Warrick Hay & Grain - We store Grain and Hay - Ad

“We have invested heavily in expanding the capacity of our operation to ensure we can deliver to our customer’s expectations.

“The new seed coating and treatment equipment, pallet racking, warehouse bin management, business software and bespoke office space means we can continue to do this as we grow.”

Samuel Gaste, New Markets Director, RAGT Semences France

As a shareholder and key breeding partner, Samuel Gasté, new markets director for RAGT Semences in France, said he was honoured to be in Australia to celebrate with Seed Force.

“As an international seed breeding company, our partnership with Seed Force in Australia and New Zealand is an important and strategically significant one for us.

“We value the partnership and the value that it represents for our company. It is so pleasing to be here to mark this milestone and commitment to the future.”

Ad- Call Warrick Hay & Grain - We store Grain and Hay - Ad

RAGT Semences are the breeder of RGT Planet, which Seed Force develops and markets for Australia. Guests had the opportunity to drink Coopers Pale Ale that had been brewed using the new variety, which is anticipated to receive local malt accreditation in the couple of months.

Business development manager Mike Gout spoke to the value that the company’s research and development pipeline adds to Australian growers, with fellow director David Gould thanking the local team and business partners for their support, and preparations for this celebration.

Hon Damian Drum MP officially opens Seed Force’s new premises

The Hon Damian Drum MP, Member for Murray, officially opened the facility with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

He congratulated Seed Force on its achievements and continued commitment to the region as demonstrated by this long-term investment.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Kim O’Keeffe she was thrilled to be witnessing yet another incredible success story of an important business within the municipality.

Ad- Call Warrick Hay & Grain - We store Grain and Hay - Ad

“Success stories such as this are testament to the opportunities that exist within Greater Shepparton and strengthen the Council’s ongoing message through its Great Things Happen Here campaign that we are open for business.

“Investments such as this create incredible flow-on effects for local businesses which continue to keep our local economy strong and growing.”

Seed Force employs around 30 people nationally, with half of these located at the Shepparton-based national headquarters.

https://www.seedforce.com.au/